Kenny Jackett to call up Portsmouth youngsters for West Ham visit in EFL Trophy

Manager Kenny Jackett is set to include academy products Harvey Rew, Eoin Teggart, Gerard Storey, Alfie Stanley and Harry Kavanagh in his squad for the game against the Hammers, with the Blues having already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

Wins against Colchester and Southend this season have Pompey sitting top of Southern Group A on goal difference – well clear of both the U’s and Shrimpers who remain pointless.

And that’s given the Fratton Park outfit the opportunity to hand some of their first-team regulars a rest during a busy schedule.

Jackett named a full-strength squad for Saturday’s FA Cup first-round game at Ipswich.

That tactic resulted in Pompey progressing to the second round, but they did so after being forced into extra time at Portman Road.

And with focus already on next Monday night’s trip to Plymouth in League One, the decision has been made to give youth it’s chance at senior level.

Winger Teggart, who is currently on a youth loan at Gosport Borough, has previously featured for the first team, as he started last season’s 3-1 win over Norwich under-21s in the same competition.

Left-back Rew also played 45 minutes as the Blues drew 2-2 with Oxford in the Trophy in October 2019.

Striker Alfie Stanley, who has been loaned out to Bognor this term, has been named on the bench a few times during the current campaign without making an appearance.

Meanwhile, the game will present maiden call-ups to the senior ranks for midfielder Storey and right-back Kavanagh, both of whom have also been on loan a Gosport this season.

Haji Mnoga is expected to play from the start against the Hammers, having made his first-team league debut at Lincoln last weekend.

First-team fringe players Paul Downing and James Bolton are also expected to be named in the starting XI.

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